5th Grader Impacts Lives of LTBHS Animals

A big round of "a paws" to Harbor Springs 5th grader, Nathaniel Kirby, and the Harbor Springs Kiwanis Club for their donation of $50 in honor of Nathaniel's essay about the importance of LTBHS!

"My Favorite Local Charity," by Nathaniel Kirby, 5th Grade

A dog left abandoned and abused at the side of the road. Before 1953, he would have been left there to die. That is when the Humane Society was formed. I care about animals and making sure they are taken care of. That is why I chose to talk about Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.

The first American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded by Henry Bergh in New York in 1866. From there, many other organizations were formed, including local humane societies. LTBHS is a NO-KILL shelter that was founded in 1953.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is committed to educating the public about the humane treatment of pets. In addition to being an adoption center, they offer programs that help shelter animals become adoptable. They are, "Pit Stop," the "Ruff-to-Ready Scholarship Program," "Spay-it-Fourward," and "Animals Need to Give Everybody Love." In 2001, Little Traverse Bay Humane Society built a state-of-the-art facility that now can house 40 cats and 20 dogs. It's a donor-funded, non-profit corporation where animals are housed until a home can be found. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society depends on people like us to donate our time and money. Your donation will help Little Traverse Bay Humane Society in its mission to help animals and stop cruelty.

My dog, Buster, was adopted from a Humane Society. I cannot imagine bieng without her. She lives at my house for 14 1/2 years. She is kind, playful and still "spunky" after all these years. When she leaves us, I want to adopt another dog, just like her.

Just at Little Traverse Bay Humane Society alone, last year over 525 homeless dogs and cats were taken in and 498 were placed with loving families. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society makes a big difference in this community. What would these animals do without caring people like them? These animals deserve a loving place to call home.